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Awdurdod Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri Snowdonia National Park Authority Guidance for Organised Competitive, Recreational and Charitable events in the Snowdonia National Park 3 Introduction 4 Purpose of the Events Guidance 5 - 6 Types of Events and recommended timeframes 7 - 9 Pre-Planning 10 - 12 General advice to groups and individuals 13 – 14 Snowdon Specific information and guidance 15 Mountain Biking and the Snowdon Voluntary Agreement 17 The Three Peaks Challenge 17 After your event 18 Thinking Local – supporting the local economy 19 Dogs in the Countryside & Livestock 19 Wild Camping 20 - 24 Access to Water including Bio Security 25 Filming on Snowdonia National Park Authority Property 26 Other UK fundraising advice 27 Helping to conserve the Snowdonia National Park. 28-30 Contact details Introduction

Snowdonia is the fourth largest National Park within the UK family and it is legally required to fulfil two statutory purposes:

• To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area.

• To promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park by the public.

We also have a duty to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the Park.

3 Purpose of the Events Guidance

Interest in and the variety of charitable, recreational and organised challenge event activities has grown in recent years and there are a great number of organisations and charities making full use of the great outdoors in Snowdonia – particularly on Snowdon itself. This document will offer event organisers practical advice on how to undertake these activities in a safe, responsible, sustainable and efficient manner and which are not detrimental to National Park purposes and to ensure that those special qualities are maintained.

The Snowdonia National Park Authority has an event friendly stance and recognises that events offer many opportunities for enjoyment in the form of outdoor recreation that are beneficial to health and wellbeing, that have the capacity to raise considerable sums of money for charity and contribute substantially to the local economy each year. Whilst most events are well organised there have been instances of poor practice and management resulting in unnecessary disruption to local residents, other visitors, other planned events, local businesses, farming practices and damage to landscapes. A well-planned event can help reduce any negative impacts whilst providing great opportunities for adventure and enjoyment in the outdoors that is of benefit to all.

Therefore, the Snowdonia National Park Authority needs to know what medium and larger events (those involving 50 or more participants) are being organised in the area. These include events that are organised for commercial benefit, those organised to raise money on behalf of registered charitable organisations or other good causes.

Knowing how they are planned and organised enables us to offer practical guidance and advice so that they can take place with minimal difficulty or disruption to the environment, local communities and to other recreational users.

4 Types of events covered by these guidelines are:

Activities on foot, cycling, horse riding that attract more than 50 participants. Activities for fewer than 50 are also encouraged to adhere to these guidelines.

General rule of thumb for events and recommended timetables for communication where necessary.

Event size Small Medium Large Foot based events 50 50-200 200+ Mountain bike 30 30- 50 50+ events Equestrian events 10 11-30 30+

Small Medium Large Recommended lead 2 months 6 -12 months 12 – 16 months in time and research Event details 1 month 2 - 4 months 4-8 months Final detail 2 weeks 4 weeks 2 months

The National Park Authority does not need to be consulted over any smaller events of less than 50 persons however; we are very willing to offer advice to those groups or individuals. Those planning unusual activities (regardless of the group size) should always discuss these with National Park Authority officers to avoid any difficulties.

Whilst most formal events take place on existing Public Rights of Way (i.e. footpaths and bridleways) a significant amount of the land within the National Park is privately owned and we strongly recommend that medium and larger event organisers liaise with landowners along the proposed route in good time (see guideline grid above).

Landowners appreciate early dialogue and given their local knowledge and expertise, they are uniquely placed to be able to assist and advise organisers. Allow sufficient time and include them in your pre event planning to avoid any unnecessary conflicts with their respective agricultural activities such as sheep gathering, lambing, hefting practices, calving, stock management, hay/silage cutting/storage, drainage works, crop drilling, walling, crop spraying or fencing.

5 This is crucial if you plan, any routes on access land which are not on Public Rights of Way but are on `access land` (as described by the CROW Act 2000 and outlined on any OS Explorer 1.25.000 map in a cream colour). In this instance, you should always liaise with and obtain permission from the relevant landowners well in advance. Those areas may also include commons where joint grazing occurs therefore you will need to liaise with the relevant Graziers Association Secretary.

For access into public woodland (usually coniferous forests in the ownership of the Welsh Government), you will need to seek consent for any organised activities from Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Please note that other woodlands may be privately owned and permission will be required from landowners. www.naturalresources.wales/about-us/contact-us

• It is the responsibility of the organisers to liaise with landowners when and where required so please plan early. Information on these contacts can usually be obtained from National Park Officers. (01766 770 274 / [email protected])

6 Pre Planning & What the National Park needs from you!

Snowdonia National Park Authority requires that event organisers provide the following information in advance (see recommended event size and time - frames on page 2) wherever possible. Pre planning is vital to ensure that events are successful and enjoyable for all!

Your tick list:

• Your expected participant numbers.

• A simple outline event plan of your arrangements i.e. exactly what you are planning to do.

• The full contact details of event co-ordinators and/or organisers including those for the day of the event.

• The date(s) of your event and details of the routes you plan to use. Supply a marked digital map/s to us by e-mail for consideration if possible.

• Inform us of your event marshalling, monitoring or supervisory cover, planned checkpoints (and feeding/fluid stations).

• Details of your parking arrangements - a simple description of where parking will be available.

• Your First Aid cover arrangements

• Your plan B and C arrangements if possible, i.e. your reserve dates.

• Your post event arrangements – i.e. litter, flags/signs or other paraphernalia

• Details of any contact with the landowner/farmer (if required).

7 Before your event: check!

1. Event planners should avoid routes in areas where there are important wildlife, sensitive biological or archaeological sites.

Note. * All main routes on Snowdon are Public Rights of Way and have hard and well-defined surfaces so this aspect is unnecessary. However, events in designated conservation areas – such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) or National Nature Reserves (NNR’s) will require consent from Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

Advice on any archaeological sites of high importance may be obtained from CADW - the Welsh Government’s historic environment service.

Snowdonia National Park Authority staff can offer advice and guidance on any routes you may be considering to avoid potential difficulties in terms of biodiversity or archaeological features wherever they may be present. www.naturalresources.wales/about-us/contact-us www.cadw.gov.wales

2. We strongly recommend that all large or medium event organisers should contact the National Park Authority well in advance to determine that their dates are suitable and to ensure that they do not clash with other known planned events. National Park officers will be able to advise organisers to avoid any difficulties. This is particularly relevant for Snowdon throughout the season. It may be possible to hold your event on another day that does not clash with other planned events. Weekends are particularly busy in the summer season so please consider midweek or alternative dates later on in the summer. Try not to plan early events such as in March or April as these will be more subject to the vagaries of the mountain weather at that time of the year.

3. For large events considering using public roads (i.e. for walking, running or cycling) then they must consult with either Gwynedd Council or Conwy County Borough Council Events Teams and their respective Highways Departments who will advise as to what consents/ licencing may be required. See links below:

Gwynedd Council website - www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru https://www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/en/Residents/Leisure-parks-and-events/Events/Events.aspx Conwy County Borough Council website http://www.conwy.gov.uk/

4. Any small charitable event groups acting or fundraising on behalf of any larger charitable bodies are advised to seek the advice (and consent) of their main charity beforehand rather than after the event has taken place.

8 (Image courtesy of Ras y Gader Cader Idris Mountain Race)

9 General Information and Advice

This information and advice is relevant wherever you plan to hold your Organised or Charity Event:

Mountain Safety:

Even in high summer please refer to the Mountain Safety Information links on the National Park’s website and make sure this is widely circulated to all your participants well beforehand to ensure that they are well prepared. This aspect is crucial to you as organisers in that you have a duty of care and are ultimately responsible for your participants’ safety.

Note* Any events that may include children under the age of 18 then organisers have a legal duty for ensuring their safety.

Please refer to the link below: www.eryri-National Park a.gov.uk/visiting/safety-advice

Ensure that all relevant route and mountain weather information is made available to all participants for at least 5 days leading up to your event. Use the Met Office website for Snowdonia, this weather forecast is specifically designed for the uplands. Do not rely any general weather forecasts available on the TV, radio or other media. If your event is being held between November and April, the Snowdonia National Park Authority provide a basic Winter Ground Conditions report on the website (link below) This will enable you to make suitable judgements about holding your event a few days in advance or whether you may have to postpone and apply your Plan B or C.

Mountain Weather Forecast Met Office link www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/mountain-forecasts/snowdonia

Winter Ground Condition www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/visiting/walking/ground-conditions

10 Have a Plan B and even a Plan C. Always plan alternative dates for your event in case you need to postpone. This is highly recommended if the weather forecast for your planned date/s is not suitable. Do not hesitate to postpone your event in advance if this is the case and build this flexibility into your pre event planning.

Check with your participants that some do not have serious health issues or require additional support – especially any that may be compounded by participating in your event. Organisers should make it clear to participants during any planning phase that they should declare or make you aware of any health issues or related concerns to you beforehand so you may plan accordingly.

• Litter. Unfortunately this remains a big problem and it is essential that no litter, clothing or redundant equipment are left behind anywhere in the countryside or mountains. Carry all litter or food/drink wrappings and containers away including bio- degradable such as banana skins, orange peel, apple cores and tea bags. These can take years to degrade and can be unsightly on the mountains.

Ensure that the litter/waste problem is part of your pre event discussions with participants prior to setting off and ensure that everything is brought down. Preferably, take it all away with you and recycle as much as possible. Appoint someone to take charge of this issue as a part of your pre event planning. Be responsible!

Snowdonia National Park 2016

11 • Risk assessment. This is something that all organisers will need to carry out and can vary depending on the scale, type and circumstances of the event but any organiser, regardless of the group’s size, will need to give this aspect serious consideration.

The general advice is to keep it simple (one page), workable and understandable. Hazards on the hills should include slips, trips and falls, inclement weather (i.e. heat/sunstroke/cold/ wind/rain/snow/ice), falls from height, tiredness/exhaustion, lifting or manual handling if required or any other hazards that may be pertinent to your particular activity. It is good practice to run through this with your participants before you set off to reinforce any safety messages.

• Further information on Risk Assessments can be found on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website. See links below

www.hse.gov.uk/risk/principles.htm

• Whilst some organisations like to carry or display banners and flags and often attempt to carry larger items on organised events. Organisers should give serious thought to the consequences of carrying any such items in difficult terrain, especially those that may prove to be difficult to physically manage or that could potentially fly off in high winds and cause injury to other participants and walkers. Aim to keep such items simple and trouble free and ensure that they are under control at all times. In the event of prevailing windy or cloudy conditions, consider leaving these behind.

• Temporary way marking of routes for events, whilst not encouraged, needs to be done with care and they should all be removed promptly following your event (as part of your post event clear up). Any temporary way markers should have the event contact details clearly on the back to enable us to contact organisers for any reason or return those that are left behind by accident. Even on Public Rights of Way, permission will be required from landowners for the erection of any temporary signage.

Spray marking is not allowed under any circumstances. If you are uncertain about this aspect, please contact the relevant officers at Snowdonia National Park Authority.

• Any temporary checkpoint furniture or banners/flags/paperwork must be removed from the hill once the event is completed as part of your post event clear up. Kindly note that National Park Car parks are not allowed to be used as checkpoints/refreshments or start/ finish points at any time. Remember that these are public places.

• It is recommended that all events should have adequate Public Liability insurance cover – even small events should consider this aspect - larger events should also have Employers Liability to cover their temporary staff (i.e. marshals, First Aiders or other volunteers). Most insurance companies will give quotations for short events at reasonable costs. Organisers have a legal responsibility for their participants, volunteers or paid staff.

• The collection of charitable donations on the hill from buckets is discouraged as this can annoy and spoil the enjoyment of other walkers and visitors – especially if this happens frequently during any given day. Therefore, fundraisers should try to ensure that funds are raised in advance of your event rather than be collected on the day.

12 Snowdon specific information and advice

In addition to the advice given above the following relates specifically to Organised Events on Snowdon.

Snowdon and many of the other mountains within the National Park are hard mountain walks even in the summer months. There is a misconception that many routes on Snowdon are easy. This is not the case so ensure that your participants are aware of what is required when using any paths on Snowdon or other high peaks within the National Park. Your participants should be suitably equipped and provisioned for a full mountain day and no less. Kindly visit the recommended links below for further information.

• Any large events on Snowdon should consider ascending and descending the mountain using the Llanberis Path. For other routes and the Snowdon Code of Conduct see full details on the links below:

Snowdonia National Park website walking/visiting section www.eryri-National Park a.gov.uk/visiting/walking

Information on all Snowdon routes including the Llanberis track: www.eryri-National Park a.gov.uk/visiting/walking/mountain-walks

Out of season (late Oct to May), there are no facilities on the summit of Snowdon but please note that even in the summer months the café and railway service may be closed due to poor weather so never assume that this facility will be available at all times. So plan and make allowances for this and encourage people to use toilet facilities before you set off and carry adequate provisions for food and drink and additional clothing.

For those activities planned for the night-time such as, walking or cycling there are no facilities available between 6pm and 9am even in the summer months. The small café half way up the Llanberis Path offers limited food and drink during the day only. Toilet facilities here are limited and is for the use of the café customers only.

*Do not allow or encourage any participants to walk up or down any part of the Snowdon Mountain Railway line or beneath it especially near the summit at any time of the year. This is illegal and dangerous.

Image courtesy of Berghaus Dragons Back Race – Ian Corless

13 • Parking & Sustainable Transport

The National Park Authority encourages event organisers to consider sustainable transport and to use the Sherpa Bus service (to Pen y Pass) mini buses, buses and consider car sharing for groups rather than participants arriving in individual vehicles.

The Sherpa Bus service runs from Llanberis to Pen y Pass via Nant Peris and is highly recommended for smaller groups as an alternative to parking in Pen Y Pass. The Sherpa picks up passengers from Llanberis and Nant Peris on its way to Pen y Pass.

Please note that car parking spaces are at a premium from early morning, especially during the high season and booking any National Park parking spaces at Pen Y Pass, Cwellyn/Snowdon Ranger, Rhyd Ddu, Nant Peris or Bont Bethania is not possible.

The dropping off of participants off at Pen y Pass in large buses, mini buses, people carriers or cars should be adequately supervised and done quickly, efficiently and safely from within the bus lane parking area. If necessary, appoint a responsible person to take charge of this activity as part of your event plan. Vehicles should then leave quickly so as not to clog up regular public transport services such as the Sherpa Bus Service or taxis.

Link below: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/en/Residents/Parking-roads-and-travel/Travel-passes/Snowdon- Sherpa.

Gwynedd Council Bus Timetables www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/en/Residents/Parking-roads-and-travel/Bus-timetables/Bus- timetables.aspx

14 Snowdon Voluntary Cycling Agreement

Event organisers and participants should be aware that the Llanberis track is a bridleway and therefore is available to cyclists, walkers and horse riders. However, this route is subject to a seasonal voluntary cycle access agreement restrictions and is not available to cyclists between 10 am and 5pm between 1st May and the 30th September. More information can be found on the National Park website link below. www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/visiting/get-active/Cycling-and-Mountain-Biking/voluntary-restrictions

Note* Pedestrians and horse riders always have priority on any bridleways so by law cyclists must give way to them at all times (as prescribed by Sect. 30 of the Countryside Act 1968).

The Miners track is available to cyclists only as far as the old mill near the Llyn Llydaw causeway (SH629545) and no further at any time.

Use of Drones

There are rules associated with the use of drones in public places and the Civil Aviation Authority has issued guidelines for their use. The aircraft should not endanger anyone or anything. • The operator must keep the aircraft within line of sight (500m horizontally and 120m vertically. • The aircraft must not be over or within 150m of a `congested area` I.e. a residential area, any commercial or recreational areas. • The aircraft must not fly over or be within a distance of 150m from an organised open-air assembly (i.e. event). • The aircraft should not be within 50m of any vessel or structure. • The aircraft should not be within 30m of any person except during take-off and landing. • Owners and operators should have, where necessary, the relevant licensing requirements. • Operators should pay heed to any requirements under the Data Protection Act for the collection, use, dissemination and storage of any images/film.

Operators should also note that when drones are being operated in the countryside, they should not disturb other recreational users quiet enjoyment of the countryside and neither should they hinder or harass livestock, wild animals (including birds) other domestic animals or pets. Such activities may fall under other legislation and may result in prosecution.

Please refer to the link below. www.eryri-National Park a.gov.uk/authority/news-and-media/using-drones

15 Lanterns and Balloons

The National Park does not sanction these activities on any mountains within the National Park. Lanterns have open flames and can be dangerous if they land near housing or barns nearby.

Balloons even if biodegradable can be hazardous to stock and are classed as litter when they land on the ground and they should not be released.

Balloons and lanterns can also be dangerous to low flying aircraft such as rescue helicopters and other low flying aircraft, which are common in Snowdonia.

Open Fires

Open fires (including barbeques) are not allowed on Snowdon.

16 Three Peaks Challenges (TPC)

Snowdon is a part of both the original Three Peaks Challenge (Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis) and the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge (Snowdon, Cader Idris and Pen y Fan)

• People access Snowdon late at night or very early in the morning to undertake a Three Peaks Challenge. It is essential that participants who arrive at Pen Y Pass or Llanberis at such times do so with the minimum of disturbance (i.e. noise and lights) to guests in the adjacent Youth Hostel or residents of Llanberis. Do not allow your vehicles to block the car park for other day visitors and on completion the car parking spaces should be vacated at the earliest opportunity.

Given the potential for congestion at the Pen Y Pass car park, especially at weekends in the summer months, consider undertaking this challenge midweek to minimise issues both here and also in the Ben Nevis and Wasdale Head car parks.

Additional information advice for TPC can be found on the Three Peaks Partnership website - www.threepeakspartnership.co.uk/

After your event!

Post event clear ups are essential and all litter, paraphernalia i.e. flags, signs, banners or other items should be removed on the same day and nothing should be left once your event is completed. There are no facilities for rubbish or litter disposal anywhere in the uplands so what goes up must come down and pre arrange to take it home or dispose of it suitably. Nothing should be left at any National Park car parks including Pen Y Pass.

Once completed it is good practice and a useful exercise to discuss with your participants, the National Park and relevant landowners the event and to gain their views and get some feedback generally. There may be issues that may not have been apparent to you as organisers.

17 Think Local!

• Try to encourage participants to put something back into the local economy by staying in the area and use local accommodation providers rather than simply travelling on the day.

• Try to use local businesses to supply your event. This enables participants and organisers to contribute directly into the local economy. The National Park Warden and Access Service may offer assistance with this information.

• As good practice, the National Park Authority would encourage event organisers to consider using local organisers and marshals/guides (who have considerable local knowledge and experience) to assist with their event.

• Use your event as an opportunity to promote the purposes of the Snowdonia National Park. Well run events can be a very positive experience for all concerned and encourage return visits to the area.

• Travelling for long distances before any organised event on the same day is tiring, may adversely affect your ability to set off at a reasonable time, and will detract from your participants’ enjoyment on the day. Please give this aspect serious consideration in your pre-planning.

18 Dogs in the countryside and livestock

Organisers should pay particular attention to livestock issues. These areas across the National Park should be identified during pre-activity recces by organisers particularly for the larger events when dogs accompany participants.

Some fields may contain cattle with young calves and these can be very protective and become aggressive if they feel threatened by large groups of people especially those with dogs. Try to avoid them or use an alternative line and keep your dog on a lead. If threatened release the dog together with the lead immediately and make your way to safety – the dog will return to you.

Most uplands are also grazed by sheep with lambs especially in the summer months therefore do not allow your dog to worry (chase) and harass sheep – this is a criminal offence. So bring this to the attention of any participants with dogs well before you set off. Our advice is that all dogs should on a lead in the vicinity of livestock.

Therefore, if you can see any stock then always put your dog on a lead. See link below: www.eryri-National Park a.gov.uk/visiting/local-information/dog-owners

Wild Camping Advice

Wild camping is not allowed within the National Park under current legislation and permission is required from relevant landowners. Please see further guidance in Appendix list. www.eryri-National Park a.gov.uk/visiting/walking/where-can-you-go/wild-camping

There is also a limited number of mountain bothys within the National Park and further information can be obtained from the Bothys Association website link below: www.mountainbothies.org.uk/bothy-details

19 Access to water

There is no statutory right of access to water in England and Wales under current legislation other than below tidal limits therefore any events or activities involving any fresh water bodies – including rivers, lakes, reservoirs or canals will require the consent of landowners or statutory undertakers such as water companies. Seek further advice from National Park officers if required.

In Northern Snowdonia Canoe, access has been arranged by consent on the Upper Conwy from Ysbyty Ifan to the egress point in the lay by near Bron Ruffydd and on the Glaslyn between Llyn Gwynant and the Aberglaslyn Bridge (National Trust).

Canoe access is also available on Llyn Trawsfynydd and is subject to charges. Contact point: [email protected] - 01766 540780

Access for waterborne activities on Llyn Tegid (Bala) are subject to fees. Contact the Bala Lake Warden’s Office for more information. [email protected] - 01678 520626

All tidal waters are available to canoe, swim or sail but please check the local tidal limits.

Please remember to be aware of your responsibilities in terms of bio security on any water bodies.

For further advice see www.nonnativespecies.org/checkcleandry/

20 Llyn Tegid – Bala Lake

Llyn Tegid otherwise known as Bala Lake is Wales’s largest natural lake and is owned and managed by the Snowdonia National Park. It also has important designations for conservation:

I. Special of Conservation (SAC) – Sites established throughout the European Union under the EU Habitats Directive. They are part of the Natura 2000 network and aim to provide conservation measures to European species and habitats of particular importance under the European Habitats Directive

II. Ramsar - The Convention on wetlands, called the Ramsar Convention, “is the intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources”.

III. Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981

One of the Snowdonia National Park principle purposes is to uphold those conservation designations and to ensure that they are not compromised.

With this in mind, the lake welcomes many users including events and appreciates that many are worthwhile, and when run responsibly they can bring great enjoyment to participants and is also of significant economic benefit to the area.

However, this can only happen as long as activities are well managed and not detrimental to those designations.

It is also important that these activities are undertaken with due care and by adhering to the advice proffered by the Snowdonia National Park in terms of safety and biosecurity.

Event organisers should always consult beforehand with the Snowdonia National Park Warden at the Lake Office, Llyn Tegid Foreshore, Pensarn Rd, and Y Bala. Gwynedd. LL23 7SR

Or tel: 01678 520626 or [email protected]

21 There are a number of points that we would like to draw to event organisers’ attention:

Parking, pay, and display P The public car parks around the lake are largely pay and display and event organisers should be aware of this. * The Snowdonia National Park does not allow events to have sole use of any car parks unless by prior arrangement.

Water sports The lake is used for a variety of water sports including wind surfing, sailing, canoeing, paddle boarding, swimming and as a centre for triathlon events. However, any form of motorised general boating or water sports is not allowed. *Users use the lake at their own risk and any event should be fully risk assessed. Risk Assessments should be passed to the Lake Warden for approval/comments prior to any organised event on the lake. Permits. Kindly note that charges are applicable for any activities on the water including fishing and boating of any sort. Permits can be obtained from the Bala Wardens Office situated at the extreme north end of the lake adjacent to the public car park and are also available from any of the pay and display machines. For additional information on the fishing experience see: http://www.balaangling.co.uk/page8.html A bathymetric chart of the lake is also available on this website

Recommendations for water sports: Lifejackets or approved buoyancy aids are required for all water borne activities (other than swimming). Swimmers Are advised to wear hi viz caps and a floatation device whenever possible. Be aware of other users or any sailing events taking place on the lake. We recommend that swimmers keep to the west side swimming lane which is zoned off with yellow buoys. This is approximately 50m wide (from the shoreline) and 400m long beginning at the jetty locat- ed at the northern foreshore. Please also be aware that there may be bank side fishermen who may be casting lines from time to time so try to avoid these whenever possible. There are no charges for general swimmers but a `charge per head` will be applied for any organised swimming events or as part of a triathlon. Cold water The lake is very cold even during summer months so anyone undertaking activities should be fully aware of this. Event organisers should relay this information to any participants during any event briefings or instructions and ensure that they are adequately prepared for this issue. Biosecurity The National Park takes this issue very seriously. Participants for water based activities on the lake have a responsibility to ensure that any equipment such as: paddleboards, wind surfers, boats including canoes and kayaks, protective clothing such as waders, floatation devises, wellingtons, water boots, wet/dry suits and fishing gear are cleaned thoroughly before you arrive at the site and then after use. Please refer to the following links for some useful advice on bio security http://www.nonnativespecies.org/checkcleandry/

22 Algae From time to time, especially in hot weather, there are occasional algae blooms that appear on the lake. Generally, the lake Wardens will erect advisory signs when blooms are present but in the event of you encountering anything whilst in the water – move away from it and make you way out of the water, as they can be toxic. Inform the Wardens.

For more information please follow the link below https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/algal-blooms-advice-for-the-public-and-landowners/ algal-blooms-advice-for-the-public-and-landowners

23 Litter This is a huge problem and any event organiser should ensure that you: i) Include this in any `event plan` and appoint someone from your organisation to deal with this issue. ii) Ensure that this includes the disposal of organic waste such as apple cores, banana skins, orange peel and other left over food. iii) Do not attempt to fill any local bins in the vicinity - take everything away and re cycle as much as possible. iv) Ensure that this issue is included during any post event clear up arrangements.

Safety boats for events: Motorised safety boats are allowed to cover sailing or swimming events but must adhere to the speed limit and be manned by a competent person (with a recognised small boat handling qualification). Please note that a special licence is required for any rescue craft on the lake. This can be obtained from the Wardens Office by prior arrangement. 01678 520626 or [email protected]

Marker buoys Other events and activities on the lake can include sailing and wind surfing and can be a high speed. You should endeavour to stay out of areas that have numbered marker buoys. Certain events will require the use of marker buoys, which can be supplied locally – contact the Lake Warden for more information. Weather Llyn Tegid is a large freshwater lake but please do not assume that conditions will be mild or sheltered at any given time. Be aware that conditions can change rapidly and you should monitor this continuously during any activities you undertake. Always check to local forecast beforehand. https://www.metcheck.com/WEATHER/now_and_next.asp?zipcode=bala

For other useful link to Bala - Llyn Tegid and activities please see the links below: http://www.gobala.org/ http://www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/visiting/places-to-visit/bala For Canoe Trail information. http://www.gobala.org/en/canoe-tours For live webcam follow this link http://www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/visiting/local-information/webcams All Ability Trail http://www.gobala.org/en/trails/category/c/all-ability-trails

24 Courtesy – Rat Race - Man vs Mountain

Information for filming on Snowdonia National Park Authority Property

Any filming for commercial purposes on the Snowdon summit, car parks or other areas owned or operated by Snowdonia National Park Authority is subject to licence. Follow the links below: www.eryri-National Park a.gov.uk/authority/news-and-media/filming-in-Snowdonia

Snowdonia National Park Authority contacts:

Edward Jones 01766 770274 – [email protected] Llinos Angharad – 01766 770274 – [email protected]

Use of Drones – See link below to National park website. www.eryri-National Park a.gov.uk/authority/news-and-media/using-drones

25 Other fundraising event advice in the UK.

There is also generic guidance for Outdoor Fundraising Events in the UK produced jointly by the Institute of Fundraising and National Parks UK. This was prompted by particular concerns about insensitive or poorly organised activities within designated areas. Its aim is to reduce those potential problems by encouraging organisers to work in conjunction with the National Park Authorities, land managers, other relevant organisations and local authorities to ensure best practice in terms of the environment and safety.

See links below to the Guidance for Outdoor Fundraising Events including the Three Peaks Partnership advice. Please read and follow these codes.

Institute of Fundraisers – Code of fundraising practice www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk/code-of-fundraising-practice/

26 Helping to Conserve the Snowdonia National Park. Help us to help you!

Events can inadvertently have detrimental effects on our designated landscapes and environments.

In order to alleviate this, we are continually carrying out improvements and maintenance, which require considerable investment. This includes surfacing, footpath pitching, walling, signage, drainage, maintenance/replacement of furniture and gates and providing up to date digital information. By making a donation today, you can help us look after this spectacular place now and for the future.

If you would like to consider helping the National Park Authority to maintain these fragile environments and provide good quality access then please ask your participants to consider donating a few pounds per head to us directly or alternatively, event organisers could ask for a donation in their registration fee, which can then be forwarded to us.

Individuals may also consider a private donation using the same details below.

Please ensure that you let us know that you are making a donation and quote that this is an `access donation` as a reference so that monies can be banked and attributed correctly. Cheques or payment by BACS are payable to the Snowdonia National Park Authority or by direct bank transfer using the following details:

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Account Name: Awdurdod Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri Sort Code: 20-35-47 Account number 30507008 The amount you wish to donate Kindly Note! Amount £ …………… If paying by BACS Your name ………………………………………….……….. please reference your Address ………………………………………….………... payment as a ‘Donation’ ………………………………………….……….... ………………………………………….……….. Post Code: …………………….……….……….……….... E-mail: ………………………………………………... Postal address – Snowdonia National Park Offices, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd. LL48 6LF

Alternatively, you can make a donation to the Snowdonia Giving Scheme/Rhodd Eryri via www.snowdoniagiving.wales/ where monies received from donations may be used in the Snowdon area generally.

The Snowdonia Giving scheme is administered by Menter Mon on behalf of the Snowdonia Partnership and participating businesses. Menter Mon is a social enterprise that operates on a not for profit basis across North Wales. It does not charge for the administration and 100% of all monies raised goes towards the project.

The Snowdon Partnership is a group set up to create and then implement a new management plan for Snowdon. The group comprises individuals who represent the organisations and landowners that are responsible for on-the-ground management of the mountain - ranging from conservation work and path management to tourism, farming and mountain rescue. For more information on other projects delivered by Menter Mon, see link below. www.mentermon.com

27 Thank you

The NATIONAL PARK would like to thank you in advance for any contribution you wish to make and for making a significant difference to the environment

All donations will be acknowledged (although not the amount) on our donations page on our website and our social media pages.

Snowdonia National Park Authority Contact Details

For events for fewer than 100 persons on Snowdon Pen Y Pass Wardens Office - 01286 872555 [email protected]

Snowdonia National Park Authority Headquarters [email protected]

01766 770274

For small and medium events on Llyn Tegid (Bala) Warden Office -01678 520626

For a discussion about events over 100 persons or generally: Ask for the access section - 01766 770274 or [email protected]

Contact details of other services

For local assistance and support services for guides and information info

Tourist Information Service (TIC) www.visitwales.com/contact/tourist-information-centre/s

Betws y Coed Information Centre (open all year)

Snowdonia National Park Information Centre, Betws y Coed, Conwy, LL24 0AH

Telephone: 01690 710426 Email: [email protected]

28 Beddgelert Information Centre (open Easter-October)

Canolfan Hebog, Beddgelert, Gwynedd, LL55 4YD

Telephone: 01766 890 615 Email: [email protected]

Aberdyfi Information Centre (open Easter-October)

Wharf Gardens, Aberdyfi, Gwynedd, LL35 0EE

Telephone: 01654 767321

Email: [email protected]

Hwb Eryri – www.hwberyri.co.uk Institute of Fundraising (is the professional membership body for UK fundraising) www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/code-of-fundraising-practice/code-of-fundraising-practice/

Snowdonia Guides & Leaders www.snowdonia-guides.co.uk/contact-us.html www.mountain-training.org/walking/other/find-a-leader www.climb-snowdon.co.uk/

29 Police, Mountain Rescue, Ambulance, Fire Service & Coast Guard

The first point of contact in any emergency is to call 999 or 112 and ask for Police then Mountain Rescue or any other service you require

Direct contact for:

Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team www.llanberismountainrescue.co.uk/

Ogwen Valley team www.ogwen-rescue.org.uk/

Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team www.aberglaslyn-mrt.org/

South Snowdonia Team www.southsnowdoniamountainrescueteam.co.uk/

Aberdovey Search & Rescue Team www.aberdyfi-sart.org.uk/

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